CQC Clarifies Registration Requirements for ADHD and Autism Assessment Providers

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has updated its registration guidance, confirming that providers offering diagnosis only for ADHD and autism, without providing treatment, do not need to register with the CQC.

The clarification, published as part of updates to the CQC’s Scope of Registration guidance on 26 March 2026, is expected to be welcomed by a number of independent assessment providers that have been uncertain about their regulatory obligations.

Under the updated guidance, organisations whose services are limited to carrying out ADHD or autism assessments, producing diagnostic reports and making recommendations to a patient’s GP or onward services are not required to register with the CQC, provided they do not deliver treatment.

However, providers that go on to deliver treatment—such as prescribing medication, managing ongoing clinical care or providing regulated treatment services—may still require CQC registration under the relevant regulated activities.

Why this matters

Demand for ADHD and autism assessments continues to rise across England, with many independent providers helping to reduce waiting times alongside NHS services. As new clinics continue to enter the market, understanding when CQC registration is legally required is an important part of setting up services correctly.

For some providers, the updated guidance could remove the need for a lengthy and resource-intensive registration process where their role is limited to diagnostic assessment alone. Others may need to review their service model carefully to determine whether any elements of their work fall within regulated treatment activities.

What providers should do

Healthcare organisations offering ADHD or autism services should consider:

• Reviewing exactly which clinical services they provide.
• Checking whether their activities extend beyond diagnosis into treatment.
• Reviewing any existing or planned CQC registration applications in light of the updated guidance.
• Seeking specialist regulatory advice if there is any uncertainty over their registration requirements.

The clarification is expected to provide greater certainty for assessment-only providers while ensuring organisations delivering regulated treatment continue to meet the appropriate regulatory standards.

Editor’s note: This article is intended as general information and should not be taken as legal or regulatory advice. Providers should refer to the latest CQC guidance and seek professional advice where appropriate.

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